Chitosan, or the ‘fat inhibitor’, is said to be extremely useful in weight loss programs. This usefulness is highly debatable, and it remains to be seen if this fat inhibitor really is beneficial, or if its side effects are too harmful. This article provides information regarding the same.
Chitosan is a supplement that is taken along with meals, and is said to help lose weight. Many people call it ‘fat inhibitor’ or ‘fat magnet’, as it is said to possess extraordinary ability to enable a person to lose weight. Despite these claims though, it is hard to say if it does have all these great abilities, or if this is just another marketing gimmick. Understanding the origin, the nature, and the side effects of this supplement will help you make an informed decision for yourself.
Overview
Chitosan is a sugar or a fiber that is derived from the outer-skeletal layers of crustaceans like shrimp, crabs, or lobsters. The purpose of obtaining this fiber is for purely medicinal reasons. This fat inhibitor has been around for more than 30 years now. Though there are some people who favor it and some people who oppose it, there is medical or scientific evidence to back up the claims about the benefits of this supplement. There are a range of side effects though, that can commonly affect anyone who is consuming this fat inhibitor.
Since it is a non-digestive substance, it cannot be consumed directly by anyone. It needs to be consumed in the form of some supplements to go with the meals a person takes. There are a few basic side effects that are common to most people, but any long-term side effects of this supplement cannot be accurately stated, as there are not enough studies conducted on the use of this fat inhibitor. This factor has further led to increased controversy and debate about the benefits and advantages of chitosan as well as its side effects.
Benefits
As mentioned earlier, this supplement is considered extremely useful in order to lose weight. Manufacturers of this supplement widely and actively claim that you can eat absolutely anything and supplement it with chitosan, and you will not gain any extra pound. On the contrary, you will end up losing weight they say. The explanation for this is that fat inhibitor is said to attach the fat present in the body to molecules, and thus prevents the absorption of fat by the body. This makes it a great weight loss supplement.
Apart from its use for weight loss, there are some other benefits as well. It is widely claimed that consuming chitosan also improves one’s immune system and lowers the blood pressure. Treating anemia and lowering of cholesterol levels in the body are also some other benefits that should not be overlooked. Apart from this, it also increases the strength, stamina, endurance, and the appetite of an individual. It also speeds up the healing of tissues after plastic surgery, and helps cure tooth and gum problems as well.
Side Effects
Even though this supplement has been around for many years, there are not many scientific tests that have been carried out in order to check its usefulness and side effects. This has led to endless debate, and till these tests are carried out, we will never know what the exact properties of this fat inhibitor are. Apart from the side effects that are mentioned here, there are many more which may not have yet been recorded, or which may have passed unnoticed.
Following are a few known side effects:
- Constipation
- Gas
- Upset stomach
- Anyone allergic to any form of shellfish will have an adverse reaction to this supplement.
- Occasionally, chitosan can hinder the absorption of useful minerals and chemicals by the body as well
- Pregnant women should definitely stay away from this supplement as it can affect the growth of the child
- Problems in breathing
- Swelling up of the wrists and the heels
- Rashes on skin
You must remember that not every single individual will display these side effects. Each person will react differently to the supplement, and may display some different symptoms of their own. If you are looking for a quick way to lose weight you can give this supplement a try, but be wary of the known and unknown side effects.
Disclaimer: This NutriNeat article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
